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ASW '14 - First Time (49)

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I am just getting going in AM and decided to attend ASW in January. From everything I have heard, it should be a great trip for networking and new info. I do have a couple of questions related to registration and hotel.

1. I am currently 20, and will not be 21 until March of 2014. Every hotel I am trying to book seems to only allow 21+ guests. Any tips for hotels or ways to get around this?

2. Seeing as I have never been to ASW or ASE, which pass would you suggest? I looked through the agenda and didn't very many sessions I would be interested in. However, that being said, some of the sessions require a VIP pass. Is it worth paying $879 for a VIP Pass or should I get a Networking Pass ($99) or Networking Plus Pass ($279)?

Thanks for the input guys! Hopefully I will get to meet some of you in January!

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The first time I went to a summit, I bought the full pass and went to as many talks and workshops as I could. It was the right choice since I was new and I'd probably do it again.

A lot of people smarter than you and me will tell you that it's your relationships that are key to success in this business. and relationships are built 'on the floor' which you can get to with the cheap tickets.

if memory serves, there is a 21+ requirement to buy an affsum ticket too but that might be an old rule that i'm thinking of. you might be able to find a 21+ STM'er who wouldn't mind splitting the cost of a room with you.

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Thanks for the reply. I really appreciate it. I actually just checked and you're absolutely right about the 21 thing....which really sucks. Looks like I have to wait a whole year for ASE.

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ASW is 21+ technically but if you're a risk taker you can get lucky and get in underage. First time I went years ago I was 19. Some of the desk ladies were checking IDs, others weren't

You don't even really need to go to the conference though to get value out of the trip as you'd probably get just as much if not more out of the other events (parties with other affiliates around) anyway. If you do adult, internext (which goes on at the same time) is probably better than ASW as far as conferences go anyway.

All that said, if you're under 21 in Vegas with no fake ID, it's gonna suck. Too much tease.

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If you spend money to go to ASW or ASE and you're an affiliate, i'm sorry but you have a lot to learn in life.

I bought a VIP ticket for ASE this year ...$549 dollars ...and I paid to get pitched at by a bunch of sleazy sales people and affiliate networks, or you could choose to be bored to death by the dumb keynote speeches.

Do the world some good, save your money and hire a hooker or at least go to the STM party. I don't kiss ass but i've always gotten more value out of a STM party than any other party or meetup out there. Internext was awesome too AND FREE.

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I've never paid for anything more than a networking pass. I've been to one session which I regretted. Like most people have said already, the value you get is meeting people face to face. Try to book as many breakfasts, lunches, dinners, drinks, pre drinks, after drink meetings as possible. That's where you get your dollars worth.

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Basic passes for sure. Also schedule as much stuff as you can like Green said - the first time I went I didn't schedule enough and had a lot of downtime.

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Thanks for the advice everyone. Definitely going to go for the basic pass due to all the great input.

As far as meeting/networking with people, what's the best way to go about this as a new affiliate? Also, are you saying other affiliates or more people with networks, etc?

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Contact every affiliate network you are signed up to, and set meetings up with your AMs. Do the same with traffic sources to, however sometimes it's a lot harder to make things happen there. Closer to the time of the conference, organizers will publish a list of companies that will be attending, that's another good way of setting up meetings. Worst case scenario you can just attend the meet market on the first day and set up proper meetings from there.

Don't worry about setting up meetings with affiliates, you will be able to chat to a copious amount of affiliates after hours at parties.

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The biggest newbie mistake I made was signing up for a $1,000 "VIP" pass or some shit at affiliate summit. The sessions are retarded and more for the speakers to "brand" themselves that they spoke at ASE.

Just walk the floors and go to the parties.

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Green said it best.
1. Don't buy a pass unless you're into watching seminars. They likely won't help you with anything.
2. Book meeeeeetings, as many as possible.
3. Go to all the meetups you can.

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Check out the Vdara since your under 21, it's in city center and very modern. Shouldn't give you any issues and you'll still be extremely close to everyone.

I've heard the desk staff at most casino hotels don't really check ID's for age, more so for billing and reservation purposes. However, don't risk it and end up being in limbo. Alternatively, add a friend as a secondary guest and let them check in for you.

You may have trouble being on the casino floor and definitely won't get into the clubs for parties. You can definitely drink from your minibar haha, or if you go to some of the bars into the casino and just have a friend bring drinks to you. If you get caught, they'll definitely kick you out.

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Check out the Westin, it's a hotel only, no casino. Also, I know Sohan used to stay the 4 Seasons in Mandalay Bay. Should be able to get a room at either of those. Or if you don't have the money you're relegated to the motel 6's off on the streets that parallel the strip.

Also, you can't buy a pass being 20. So going to need to have someone sneak you in.

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@smaxor thanks for the tip on the Westin! Turns out its 18+ and I'm a SPG member so I can even use points if I want to.

A question for everyone:

Seeing as I would not be able to attend many of the parties due to them being at clubs, as well as not being able to get a pass at 20, would you all suggest just waiting until ASE in August? I realize the two conferences are completely different animals in terms of location, but would waiting until NYC be the best idea? Thanks!

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My first 2 summits (Only summits), I was only 20 and it was WELL WORTH IT. Yes you will have trouble getting into club parties, but private parties, no worries. If I had not attended ASE '12 I know for a fact I wouldn't have been as successful over the past year as if I had of stayed home. I've attended a floor once with someone elses pass, and I was out of there in 20 minutes after a few hellos to friends but nothing else was really great about it, you can find enough networks/sources on this forum without being pulled into salesmen. If you're in the states, Vegas will be a cheap flight I'm sure and I definitely encourage you to listen to the above advice, just as I experienced you will sky rocket your AM career with the right connections. Meet for a coffee, get some food you will be set!

You won't have a problem coming to the STM meetup, and you will meet millions of dollars worth of connections there, just be yourself, be confident and you will 100% meet people to align with your goals.

Regarding the hotels, you can stay at the Hiltons as an under 21. Oh and pack a jacket, who knew how f###ing cold Vegas is in the Winter lol

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Maynzie, I can't thank you enough for your answer! As someone who I have developed immense respect for over the short time I have been on this forum, as well as having been in the same situation as far as age, this was exactly what I needed to hear. Thanks for taking the time to reply. I just wanted to make sure i wouldn't be wasting my time, and this definitely gave me my answer.

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You're welcome man, we would love to see you there!

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The conferences have a diminishing rate of return, so you should make the most out of your first one!

Network with other affiliates, advertisers, and ad networks. Our industry is pretty small and as people move jobs and what they are working on, you never know who might be a great contact in the future.

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When is the STM Meetup for ASW 2014 taking place?

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I was planning on only getting the networking pass, would you not recommend that either?

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This. You're only gonna find me at ASW's from now on and the occasional network meetup. After 3 conferences then I feel it becomes counter-productive to go to a conference, unless you need that motivation boost.

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It's taking place. Got something fun in the works
As per usual we'll release info closer to the time.

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So, where is everyone staying? This will be my first trip to Vegas and am having a hard time deciding where to stay. Currently looking at Bellagio, Aria, Vdara and a few others.

-Aaron

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Details will be announced soon. It's gonna be a goodie!

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I think we are staying at the Bellagio purely based on convenience.

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That is exactly why the Bellagio is at the top of my list too. It's across the street from the convention and in the middle of the strip.

-Aaron

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I'm staying a little more upscale, I've booked the Flamingo .

Anyone can chip in on my original question?

It's only $99.

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Yep buy that, it gets you into the exhibition hall and the meet market.

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The Paris place was looking a little funky, anyone stay there before?

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Looks like Paris hasn't updated their furniture since the 80s.

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Is Bellagio the one with the secret Pizza shop @stack?

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Best hotel ive ever stayed at was at Encore the first ASW i went to about 3-4 years back.. got a crazy deal for just 150$ per night and I split it with my mate. fucking best room ive stayed at and only paid 45 £ night.. vegas can be really cheap if you dont gamble and theres ton of free parties like during the rebill money days..

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Both the Encore and the Wynn are fantastic, I've stayed a couple times at both, but they're on the far end of the strip. It's a bit of a walk to Paris from there, while the Bellagio is right across the street.

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hahah nope thats Cosmo! and it's so tasty.. I'll see you there at 3am

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FYI: today is the last day to get the early bird passes, prices go up starting tomorrow.

I just got my networking pass, really looking forward to meeting all of you guys! :-)

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This is going to be my first conference. Excited to check it out!

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Also for those of you that don't want to spend $200/night for the event - I would highly recommend booking with Ballys. It's next door to Paris (a two minute walk) and rooms can be gotten for $30-$40 a night if you book soon. I've stayed there before and it's nice/clean.

The only downside is that entire hotel/casino is catered towards a much older demographic (45+), so there won't be much in the way of a ton of young people there UNLESS a lot of people decide to do what I'm suggesting. I can't imagine being there outside of going to sleep.

If you just want a cheap room that's as close as you can get to Paris it's the best place though.

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First conference yay!

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http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/1...n_4135883.html

$30-$40 a night is cheap, but keep in mind that you will get charged with resort fees ($17/day) when checking in.

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Yep! Know of anything else with comparable cost/location?

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I can feel it's gonna be a fun ASW again!!



Mehdi

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I'm staying at the flamingo, it's about the same price, but I like it better than bally's.
http://www.booking.com/hotel/us/flam...7aa5847;dcid=1

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BTW: the Internext Expo is also taking place at the same time which is a really cool conference focused on the Adult space. http://internext-expo.com/

I didn't go to the conference last year, but ended up at the official after party which was craaaazy... (one pic to give you an idea, NSFW(!!!): https://www.dropbox.com/s/rtkavrv18632sxd/V5D7O.jpg)

It's free to attend for affiliates, so sign up!

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What's the code to get the free registration for affiliates?

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You need to click the "Free for Affiliates" link and fill out the form, they will contact you with the code after verifying your data.

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Hi guys, this is my first post here in STM. I've already learned a lot! I really want to go to ASW, a friend of mine told me it worth it every dollar, but the thing is I didnt even have any success with Aff Mkt yet(at least in the CPA Industry, I own several top spanish products on Clickbank), what is your suggestions for me? I better save my money and start campaigns right away, earn some money and then go to the next ASW or just use the money I have to go to ASW and after that start my CPA journey?

I will really appreciate your suggestions!

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I'd recommend using your money to run your own campaigns. Don't worry you aren't missing out, there are a tonne of decent conferences every quarter. No point in going to a conference when you don't know what you are looking for or don't know what questions to ask.

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Thanks for the tip! It's perfect, right on the same dates

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I've only been to one Affiliate Summit, but I found the most value was in the Meet Market and individual meetings.

Check out the show floor, briefly. Maximize your time with individual meetings and check out the parties.

See you there!

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